“His story is great,” Paul said after practice Thursday. “And to not only see that, but see how he’s playing. For a guy like me that watches games every night, the aggressiveness he plays with … some people get an opportunity and don’t necessarily take advantage of it. He’s shown that he belongs.
Injury update
Thunder center Nerlens Noel returned from an ankle injury that sidelines him for six games, but Steven Adams (right knee contusion) was sidelined. Noel started in Adams’ place.
OKC forward Abdel Nader (left ankle sprain) remained out Friday, missing his second straight game for the injury.